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Tag: Martinique

Rhum Saint James Cellar Reserve from Martinique

A single batch pure cane rhum aged in the tropical climate of Martinique, Rhum Saint James Cellar Reserve is bottled at 51.3% ABV. Perhaps the most unique aspect of this vintage 2015 expression is the maturation in first-fill Bourbon barrels, rather than the traditional loose grain French Limousin Oak.

Production Notes

More than 1,000 acres of sugarcane plantations surround the distillery, located in the North East section of the island, facilitating the rapid transport from cane field to cane crush.

Rhum Saint James Cellar Reserve from Martinique

Rhum Saint James Cellar Reserve is a single batch pure cane overproof rhum aged in first-fill Bourbon barrels.

A traditional fast fermentation (less than 72 hours) in open vats precedes a traditional single pass distillation at low ABV using legacy creole columns.

All of the rhum from this single batch of Cellar Reserve was matured in America Oak — once used Bourbon Barrels — to impart a unique profile not found in other Rhum Agricole spirits.

This Cellar Reserve expression is produced under the strict standards of the Martinique AOC geographical indication, adhering under French law to the appellation d’origine contrôlée regulations.

Tasting Notes

Initial aromas of toasted oak notes mingled with mellow vanilla are followed by baking spices and butter before a whiff of figs and prunes, a hint of bread pudding, oaked Chardonnay and orange blossom.

On the palate, a mellow entry of toasted oak and vanilla expands mid-palette with big warm tones of buttered toast, dark fruit compote, cassia bark, almond and cacao. The finish continues with fading notes of toasted oak, praline, tobacco leaf and citrus rind.

Produced under the direction of Master of Rum Marc Sassier, this unique 2015 vintage rhum manages to faithfully adhere to the traditions of the region and the distillery, while presenting a delightfully bold and impressive accent from the white oak Bourbon barrels, which sets it apart from other Rhum Agricole expressions.

Legacy of Saint James

Rhum Saint James is an AOC certified brand from Martinique — the oldest brand on the island and the third oldest rum brand in the world.

Rhum Saint James

Les Plantations Rhum Saint James visitors center and museum

The facility in the coastal region of Saint Marie holds the most important stock of old rhums in the Agricole world with more than 15,000 casks.

Barrel Warehouse at Rhum Saint James

Barrel Warehouse at Rhum Saint James

It’s also the most popular distillery in Martinique with more than 120,000 visitors annually.

The Cane Plantation Train

The Cane Plantation Train at Rhum Saint James Distillery

The Rhum Saint James brand is owned by La Martiniquaise, one of the world’s largest international spirit companies. The entire production facility is energy-independent, designed and operated in the most efficient manner to minimize the impact on the environment through every step of the process.

historic water wheel cane crush

historic water wheel cane crush

Imported by 375 Park Avenue Spirits in Kentucky (a division of the Sazerac Company), this single batch aged Rhum Agricole expression is limited to 3,835 bottles. Rhum Saint James Cellar Reserve at 51.3% ABV, carries a suggested retail price of $50 in the USA for the 750ml bottle.


Rhum Saint James web site: https://rhum-saintjames.com/


Master Distiller Marc Sassier shares a bottle of Rhum Saint James vintage 1885

Master Distiller Marc Sassier shares a bottle of Rhum Saint James vintage 1885


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Rhum Saint James celebrates 250th anniversary with special edition

Recognizing 250 years of producing fine rhum on the island of Martinique, Rhum Saint James today announced they will release a commemorative limited edition bottling amidst a host of festivities scheduled for the 250th anniversary celebration on July 6 to 12, 2015.

250th anniversary - Saint James will release a limited edition commemorative bottling of some of their finest vintage rums in celebration of the 250th anniversary of this notable Martinique spirit in July, 2015.

Rhum Saint James of Martinique will celebrate their 250th anniversary in July, 2015 by issuing a special commemorative limited edition vintage blend bottle of rum.

Saint James Rum is one of the oldest rum brands from Martinique, first producing rum on its plantations in 1765. From the outset the brand was a pioneer in its category, being the first rum to create vintage specific blends, and designing an innovative square bottle in order to maximize storage and minimize breakage on the long sea-voyages to its original export markets.

When the French King, Louis XIV, banned the sale of rum in France, an enterprising priest moved to Martinique and founded Plantations Saint James, where he produced and sold his rum to the settlers in New England. Rhum Saint James was consumed from Williamsburg to Boston, and became the most popular West Indian rum in the American colonies before the American Revolution.

The week of July 6 to 12, which traditionally marks the end of the sugar harvest, is set to be a key moment during the 250th anniversary celebrations in Martinique. The program includes tours of the distillery, masterclasses and tastings, as well as a live show culminating in the release of a commemorative limited edition 250th anniversary Carafe: an ultra-premium blend of six of the best Saint James vintages, presented in a luxurious glass flagon with embossed metal neck.

To pay full tribute to Saint James rich history, other festivities will be taking place across the world including an anniversary party in Paris, multi-media advertising campaigns and outstanding point-of-sale promotions.

Among rum enthusiasts the world over, this milestone anniversary will mark 2015 as the year of Saint James.

The brand is directed by La Martiniquaise, an independent French group founded in 1934. They are the second-largest spirits group in France and are featured in the world Top 10.

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